Bible: Romans 9:1-33

Israel’s Rejection Considered

I am tellingthe truthinChrist(I amnotlying!), for myconscienceassuresme2inthe HolySpirit–9:2Ihavegreatsorrowandunceasinganguishin myheart.39:3ForIcould wish4that I myself wereaccursed– cut off fromChrist– for the sakeof mypeople,5myfellow countrymen,69:4whoareIsraelites. To thembelong7 the adoption as sons,8the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple worship,9andthe promises.9:5To them belong the patriarchs,10andfromthem,11byhumandescent,12 came the Christ,13who isGodoverall, blessedforever!14 Amen.

9:14Whatshall we saythen? Is there injusticewithGod? Absolutelynot!9:15Forhe saysto Moses: “I will have mercyon whomI have mercy, andI will have compassionon whomI have compassion.”299:16Sothen,30it does notdepend on human desireorexertion,31buton Godwho shows mercy.9:17Forthe scripturesaysto Pharaoh:32 “Forthisvery purpose I have raisedyouup, thatI may demonstratemypowerinyou, andthatmynamemay be proclaimedinallthe earth.”339:18So then,34God35 has mercyon whom he choosesto have mercy, andhe hardenswhom he choosesto harden.36

Israel’s Rejection Culpable

9:30Whatshall we say then? – that the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness obtained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith,9:31butIsraeleven though pursuing55a lawof righteousness56didnotattainit.579:32Whynot? Becausethey pursued58 it notbyfaithbut(asif it were possible) byworks.59They stumbled overthe stumblingstone,609:33just asit is written,